Full hole casing or tubing head



Feb. 22, 1938.

J. C. O NEAL Filed July 16, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 22, 1938.

J. c. o' NEAL 7 2,109,031

FULL HOLE CASING OR TUBING HEAD Fiiled July 16, 1936 a Sheets-Sheet 2 ,26 48 I James QO'Neai 3 f bw FebZZ, 1938. J. c. ONEAL 2,109,031

FULL HOLE CASING OR TUBING HEAD Filed July 16, 1936 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 fim w I M/dm Gum/M44347 Patented Feb. 22, 1938 2,109,031

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FULL HOLE CASING R TUBING HEAD James Conn ONeal, Beaumont, Tex., assignor to Gulf Coast Machine & Supply Company, a corporation Application July 16, 1936, Serial No. 90,831

13 Claims. (01. 28522) My invention relates to a well head construc- Fig. 3 is a broken sectional detail illustrating tion to be used on casing or on tubing as the the sealing means employed with the inner pipe. case may be. Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the plane 4-4 It is an object of the invention to provide a of Fig. 2.

5 head for use on casing or tubing which provides Fig. 5 is a similar transverse section on the 5 a full cylindrical opening therethrough for the plane 55 of Fig. 1. performance of drilling and setting operations Fig. 6 is a broken section on the plane 66 of and which has no obstruction therein to hamper Fig. 5. the operation of drilling, setting pipe and the Fig. '7 is a broken side elevation of the housing like. for the operating stem. 10

It is a further object, in connection with a Fig. 8 is a broken sectional detail showing the full hole structure of this character, to provide inner face of the operating device in latched posian adjustable support for the inner concentric tion.

casing or tubing which is to be hung in the head. Fig. 9 is a similar view showing the latch in It is an object of the invention to provide a open position. 15 support or hanger for the inner pipe which may While it is understood that my i ve y normally remain in a retracted position so that be employed for use upon either a casing or tubthe operations of drilling or completing of the ing I have illustrated the same in this invention well may be performed without interference, but as applied to a casing l which may be underwhich may be advanced intoposition to support stood as extending down into the well for the 20 the inner pipe whenever desired. desired distance. Upon this casing is mounted It is a further object of the invention to proa casing. head 2 constructed in accordance with vide a supporting device of this character which my invention and having its upper end threaded is easily and positively operated from retracted with a coarse thread on its outer surface at 3 for to advanced position uniformly and with a miniengagement with .a removable adapter ring 4. 25 mum of effort. Said ring t when mounted upon the casing head It is a further object of the invention to proforms a flange projecting radially from the upper vide a supporting device of the character stated end of the head and is formed with longitudinal which will be latched in either operative or inopopenings 5 therethrough to receive bolts 6 by erative position. means of which the casing head may be con- 30 It is a further object of the invention to pronected to an upper ring 1, which serves to clamp vide a head of the character stated upon which upon the casing head an adapter 8 which will other operative devices such as valves and blowbe later described. out preventers may be mounted, but which may The upper extremity of the casing head 2 is be reduced in diameter when the inner pipe has formed to seal with the adapter 8 and has an an- 35 been hung in position so that further operations nular ridge 9 thereon to fit within the corremay be performed through a pipe of smaller sponding groove at the lower end of the adapter diameter. 7 8 and to compress packing in in said groove, thus I desire to provide a head for the casing which, forming a sealing contact. There is also a row when an inner Pip 0 C i has been hung of removable studs or pins H mounted in the 40 therein, may be dismantled so as not to interfere upper end of th h and projecting upwardly With further p l- Fherein in Connection therefrom in a position spaced slightly from the with the inner Strmg of plpeinner periphery of the head. These studs are for The invention lies largely in the particular attachment with a subsequent device such as a construction and arrangement of the parts which packing gland or other means as will be later make up my improved well head, WhlCh structure noted will be more fully explained 1n connect1on with on the interior periphery of the casing head i a' g fiiagg gg 1 is a Side View, partly and at a level about midway between the ends in elevation and partly in vertical section showm radlalbi extending groove 50 ing a casing head embodying my invention within which a set of hanging dogs may normally equipped with well control apparatus thereon. be housed- As will be Seen Particularly m re Fig.2 is aview similar to Fig. 1 but showing the erence to s g oove is deep enough to control apparatus removed and an inner string of receive the dogs I3, which are housed therein, said pipe supported therein. dogs when in normal position having their in- 55 ner faces flush with the inner face of the casing head.

The dogs I3 are arcuate in shape and when in retracted position, as shown in Fig. 5, fit closely against the inner wall of the groove !2 in which they are housed. The dogs are comparatively short in length and a sufficient number are employed to entirely fill the groove except for an operating space or chamber i at one side of the casing h ad. Each dog is linked to' the adjacent dog by connecting links i5. Said links are arc'u ate in shape and are fitted into grooves 56 in the outer side of each dog. A pivotal connection with the two dogs adjacent thereto is made by.

pins ii extending through the link and the adjacent sides of the dogs. The inner side 'of each link 15 is spaced slightly from the lower side of the groove in in the dog so as to allow a certain amount of articulation between adjacentdogs' .to permit ofthe flexibility necessary in moving fromretracted position, as shown in Fig. 5, to theadvanced position shown in Fig. 4. As will be notedthe grooves it in the dogs do not extend entirely across the two dogs l3a and 53b adjacentthe operating mechanism. The groove is beveled outwardly and the endof the dog is rounded off to fit within the space provided.

A chamber M is formed at one side of the casing head within the channel of the groove I2.

At that point the casing head is provided with an outwardly extending boss l1 and a threaded opening I8 is formed at that point. Within this threaded opening is fitted a sleeve I9, which acts as a support for an operating stem '20, which extends back axially through the, sleeve. The sleeve is threaded at its inner end to engage within the opening l8 and is also Qthreaded at its outer end at 2| to engage witha cap '22 as shown in Fig. 2.

endof the stem has a radial flange 24 thereon.

Extending inwardly from the flange 24 is a squared head 25.

The squared head fits within an operating disc 26 the construction of which maybe seen in Figs. 8 and 9. Said disc fits slidably upon'the end of the operating stem but is rotated through the rotation of the stem, as will be obvious. Al-

thou'gh this slidable connection is shown asincluding a squared end for the disc, obviously a keyed connection could be used. 'Ihe'operating disc has at two points thereon an attachment for operating arms 21. Said arms are connected to the disc by means of screws 28, which allowsthe pivoting of the arms 21 thereon. The opposite endof each arm 21 is connected by means of the link 26 with the end of the adjacent dog 13a or l3b. This link forms a pivotal and flexible connection between the arms 2'! and the dogs which is designed so as to allow a certain amount of play during the operation of the device.

As will be seen from Figs. 8 and 9, the arms 21 are arranged so thatwhen the dogs are to be drawn together in supporting position the links will interfit. When this is done the pivotal connection 30 f the link 29 with the dog will be aligned withthe pins 28 on the dogs so that a toggle eifect is obtained which tends to hold the dogs in position so that they cannotbe. moved apart. Thiswill be understood from Fig. 8.

When the disc 26 is rotated to push the dogs away from the disc and move them into retracted position, as shown in Figs. and 9, the pivotal points at both ends of the operating arms 21 and the disc will be again aligned so that a similar toggle effect is obtained, tending to hold the dogs in retracted position. 1

In the movement of the dogs I provide laterally extending pins 3| on each dog which project upwardly from the upper side of the dogs and move within an undercut groove 32 and limit .themovement of the dogs inwardly. These pins 3| are wedge shaped with the apex extending inwardly and are thus formed so that if sand or other materialpacks within the groove the wedge shaped contour of each of the pins will tend to displace the packed sand or other material and allow the dogs to move to supporting position. In

order to further assure the cleaning of the groove or recess IS in the outer faces ofthe dogs and keepsand from packing therein I'provide one or more openings 33 in the groove i2 in the casing head, these openings being normally closed by threaded plugs 34 which-may be removed to provide attachment for a grease gun or other similar device through which fluid may be caused to flow around through the groove and displace the sand or other material. A steam jet may also be used.

In the rotation of the stem 26, I provide a laterally extending arm 35 which may be screwed diametrically through the stem. The ring or collar 36 fitting about the stem-furnishes a bearing for the outer end thereof within the sleeve. The arm 35 extends through a slot 31 shown in Figs. 1 and 6, formed in the outer end of the sleeve l9. Said slot extends about 180 aroundthe sleeve and at each end of said slot is formed an inwardly tapered opening 38, which forms a recess to receive a tapered latch member '38 formed upon the arm 35. As will be seen from Fig. 5, the latch 39 fits slidably over the arm 35 and has a sleeve 40, which acts as a housing around the arm 35 for a spring 4! which fits between the head 42 upon the arm 35 and the latch member 39. It will be seen that when this arm 35 is to be operated the operator will grasp the sleeve '40 and pull it radially outward to release the latch 39 from the recess 38. The'arm may then be swung around in the slot 31 to the other end of its movement where the spring will force the latch 39' into the recess 38 in the opposite position of the supporting member.

With reference again to'Figs. 1 and 2, during the drilling of the well through the casing head and the casing there will normally be above the casing head control equipment for the control of the well under pressure. It is often found that when the drill passes through formation containing gas that danger-of blowout is present at all times and the drilling is performed with apparatus at the well head ready to close in thewell in case a blowout is imminent. In my device is provided an adapter 8, previously noted, for attachment to the upper end of the casing head.

This adapter is employed to connect the casing head with the lower end 43. ofa master valve or blowout preventer or similar equipment which may be placed at the upper 1 end of "the casing head. The lower end of the adapter 8 is recessed on its inner side to provide space for the up-' wardly projecting studs or bolts 1 I. This recess 'thusprovided is closed on its inner face by a sleeve, which fits at its upper end against a shoulder 45 on the interion-of'the adapter and at its lower end rests upon the upper end of the casing head. It will be seen that when the adapter is clamped tightly against the casing head the sleeve 44 will be held rigidly in position closing the interior of the adapter and forming a smooth and full opening downwardly through the adapter and casing head.

On the lower end of the adapter is a short outwardly extending flange 46 which provides an uppe shoulder to engage with the ring I previously noted. This ring will have spaced openings to receive the bolts 8 by means of which the ring may be bolted to the flange 4 of the casing head. When the nuts have not been clamped tightly to engage the adapter with the casing head it will be seen that the ring or flange l on the adapter may be rotated with the ring 4 on the casing head to allow the ring 4 to be screwed on or off the head as desired. When the nuts are tightened upon the bolt 6 the adapter and the casing head will be clamped rigidly together as is common in flanged connections thus forming a seal. At the upper end of the adapter 8 is a flanged connection 41 or any preferred alternative type of construction which needs no specific description.

When the condition of the well necessitates the hanging of an inner string of casing or tubing within the casing head, the said inner string which is shown at 48 in Fig. 2 is lowered downwardly into the well. The master valve and blowout preventer will be in position to guard against a blowout at any time during this operation.

When the inner string is being set, and the length of the pipe to be used is ascertained, the upper end of the string 48 is equipped with a special coupling 49 threaded for engagement with a pull nipple 58 or other connection. The inner string 48 is then ready for setting and may be swung from dogs 13 or from casing elevators while being cemented. Control equipment and adapter 8 may be removed from the head when cement has set or can be removed after well has been completed. On its outer side the coupling 49 has a radial flange 5i above and below which packing may be arranged to form a seal between said coupling and the inner wall of the casing head. At the lower end of the sleeve the outer diameter of the coupling is decreased to form a downwardly presented shoulder 52 and at the lower end of the coupling is threaded exteriorly to attach a ring 58 which forms'a stop member or support for a ring 54 above which the packing rings 55 are mounted. The supporting ring 54 is normally attached to the outer surface of the coupling by a shear pin 55 shown best in Fig. 3. When in this position the supporting ring 54 rests upon the stop ring 53 and has above it the packing rings 55. The ring 54 is adapted to be moved upwardly to compress the packing rings 55 when the weight of the inner casing string 48 is supported on the ring 54. When this is done the pin 56 is broken or sheared off and the ring is moved upwardly to compress the packing.

Above the flange 5| are packing rings 51 upon which may be fitted a gland 58 whereby said packing may be compressed. The gland 58 has a laterally extending flange through which the studs or bolts l may extend. Upon this flange I place a ring 59 also provided with openings to fit over the studs H and nuts 69 are then employed to compress the gland against the packing so as to form a seal at that point.

In setting the inner string, it will be understood that the upper end of string 48 has been cut off and threaded at approximately the correct position for hanging. The coupling is placed thereon together with the sealing rings 55 and the support therefor. When it is desired to hang the same after casing 48 has been cemented at the bottom the lift nipple'50 is employed to pull upwardly and exert a stretch upon the string of pipe 48 and bring the lower end of the coupling 49 into position above the hanger dogs. The post or stem 20 is then rotated to throw the hanger dogs inwardly into the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4, thus forming a supporting shoulder upon which the coupling may be lowered. When this is done the weight of the inner string upon the pipe will tend to force the ring 54 upwardly into position shown inv Fig. 2, thus compressing the packing rings 55 and forming a seal. When this portion of the hanging is done the arm or pin 50'which operates the stem 29 may be unscrewed and pulled outwardly and released from the said stem. A cap such as is shown in Fig. 2 at 22 may then be screwed over the end of the same forming a closure around the stern and leaving the pipe properly supported on the dogs I3.

I then unscrew the threaded ring 4 from the casing head, insert the packing rings 51, and place the gland 58 upon the packing rings 5i and tighten the gland in place so as to hold the said rings 5'! in sealing position. I

The pull nipple 59 may be unscrewed and a bell nipple or other protecting means may be screwed therein so that drilling or other operations may proceed through the inner string 48. If it is desired to set a casing head upon the inner string 48 the attachment may be made within the upper end of the coupling 49, said casing head being equipped with my improved form of hanger if desired.

It will be noted that my hanger is particularly desirable for handling the equipping of wells under pressure. The upper end of the well may be sealed by means of blowout preventers or other devices, allowing the pipe to be manipulated through said blowout preventer or other devices and through the head in the setting thereof and when it is ready to support the pipe it may be properly supported upon the coupling 49, which is insertable downwardly through the control equipment and head without endangering a blowout. When the coupling 49 is in place the inner string may be stretched and the hanging operation performed without difiiculty. I provide a strong and eflicient hanger which normally is out of the way and does not interfere with operations in the well but which can be easily advanced to supporting position by the simple rotation of the operating stem. The further advantages of my invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A well head of the character stated including a tubular body threaded to engage a casing and having a full hole cylindrical interior, means at the upper end thereof for attachment to control equipment, an interior annular groove, supporting dogs housed in said groove, said dogs being linked together, a rotatable stem having a sealing engagement through the Wall of said head and means connecting the inner end of said stem with said dogs whereby the rotation of said stem Will move said dogs inwardly to supporting position or outwardly to a position housed in said groove.

3. A well head of the character stated including a tubular body threaded to engage a casing and havinga full hole cylindrical interior, means at the upper end thereof for attachment to control equipment, an interior annular groove, sup-- porting dogs housed in said groove, said dogs being linked-together, a rotatable stem having a sealing engagement through the wall of said head and means connecting the inner end of said stem withsaid dogs whereby the rotation of said stem will move saiddogs inwardly to supportingposition. or outwardly to a position housed in said groove, and means to latch said stem against rotation.

4. In a well having therein a plurality of concentric strings of pipe, an outer casing, a casing headthereoman adapter on said casing head to connect control equipmentthereto, a ring having threaded attachment on the exterior upperend of said head to form a flange thereon, an upwardly presentedshoulder adjacent the lower end of said adapter, a ring fitting above said shoulder, means connecting said rings together, sealing means between the adjacent ends of said head and adapten'and means in said casing head to support an inner string of pipe.

5. In a well having therein a'plurality of concentric strings of pipe anouter casing, a casing head thereon, an adapter on said casing head to connect control equipment thereto, a ring having threaded attachmenton the exterior upper end of said head to form a-fiange thereon, an upwardly presented shoulder adjacent the lower end of said adapter, a ring fittingabo've said shoulder, bolts,

extending through said rings to .clamp said adapter to said head, said rings being rotatable simultaneously when screwing said threaded ring on said head.

6. A casing head having a cylindrical passage therethrough, an inner groove in said head extending horizontally about the passage, a plurality of dogs normally housed in said groove, a stem extending through the wall of said head into'said groove, a disc-shaped head on said stem, and links pivotally connected to said head and to said dogs to move said dogsinwardly and outwardly in said groove as said stem is rotated.

'7. A casing head having a cylindrical passage therethrough, an inner groove in said head extending horizontally about the passage, a plural ity of dogs normally housed in said groove, a-stem extending through the wall of said headinto said groove, a disc-shaped head slidably'mounted on saidrstem, and links pivotally connected to said head and to said dogs ;to move said dogs inwardly and outwardly in said groove as said stem is rotated, the pivotal connections on said links being aligned in both inwarda'nd outward positions of said dogs.

-8. A casing-head having acylindrical passage therethrough, an inner groove in said head extending horizontally about the passage, a plurality of dogs normally housed in said groove, said dogs being linked together to allow limited pivoting movement between adjacent dogs, an operating disc, two of said dogs being operatively connected with said disc whereby the rotation of said disc will move said dogs.

9. A casing head having an inner passage, an annular groove in the wall of said passage, arcuate dogs normally housed in said groove, links connecting all but two of said dogs, a disc to which said two dogs are connected, a stem on said disc, and means to rotate said stem and disc to move said dogs in said groove.

10. A casing head having an inner passage, an annular groove in the wall of said passage, arouate dogs normally housed in said groove, links connecting all but two of said dogs, a discto which said two dogs are connected, a stem on said disc, means to'seal about said stem, a latch on said stem. 7 r

11. A casing, a. casing head thereon having a passage having approximately the same diameter as said casing, an annular groove on the inner surfaceof said head, arcuate dogs housed in said groove, an inner pipe, a coupling at the upper end thereof, a radial flange thereon fitting within said head, packing means below said flange, a ring below said packing .means adapted to seat upon said dogs when said dogs .areadvanced inwardly and means to move said dogs positively into and out of said passage to support said. inner pipe operative from the exterior of said head, the Weight of said pipe acting ,to compress said packing.

12. A casing, a casing head thereon having a passage having approximately the same diameter as said casing, an annular groove on the inner surface of said head, arcuate dogs housed in said groove, an inner pipe, acoupling at the upper end thereof, a radial flange thereon fitting Within said head, packing means below said flange, a

ring below said packing means adapted to seat upon said dogs whensaid dogs are advanced inwardly and means to move said dogs positively into and out of said passage to support said inner pipe operativefrom the exterior of said head, the weight of said pipe acting to compress said packing, and means above said flange to seal between said coupling and said head, said last named means also acting to resistupward movement of said pipe.

13. A well casing, a casing head thereon. having an inner cylindrical passage, an inner pipe, well control equipment above said casing through which-said pipe may be moved vertically, a coupling on said pipe, a flange on said coupling fitting within said casing head, seal rings below said flange, a sup-porting ring for said seal rings below the same, and means operative from the outside of said casing head adapted to be positively moved inwardly or outwardly below said supporting ring to support or release said pipe when desired.

JAMES CONN ONEAL. 

